Dana Lynette Whitburn (Burleson), age 59, of Shelton, unexpectedly entered into rest on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at her home. She was born in Morganton, NC, on October 18, 1967, daughter of Patricia Lynn (Braswell) Cook and the late Eddie Arnold Burleson, stepdaughter of Gene Cook, and the beloved fiancée of the late Walter Kloss. She was a resident of Shelton for most of her life.
Dana devoted nearly three decades to healthcare administration and patient services. Beginning in 1998, she spent over 13 years at Health Net in Shelton, advancing from Customer Service Representative to Team Lead and Enrollment Department Supervisor. In 2012, she joined Yale New Haven Health as an Emergency Department Registrar, serving patients and their families with dedication and care for nearly 15 years.
Dana had a true passion for gardening and loved traveling to Disney. She would often ask, “When are we going to Disney?” Adoring Mickey Mouse, she dreamed of visiting Disneyland Paris one day. She loved going to the movies, especially enjoying her favorite film, Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Dana also loved Miley Cyrus’s song, ‘Party in the U.S.A’. Above all, Dana cherished her grandchildren, Henry and Thomas, very deeply and she was a devoted, supportive, and giving mother to her children. A highlight of her life was fulfilling a dream to visit Hawaii in 2025 alongside her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson Henry.
Outside of her career, Dana found her greatest joy in the simple pleasures of life. An avid gardener with a true green thumb, she spent hours tending to her tomatoes. Whether working in her garden, planning her next trip, or spending quality time with those she loved, Dana brought warmth and brightness to everyone around her.
She was the beloved mother of Katelyn Ann Reddy and her husband Anush of San Jose, California, and Brandon William Whitburn and his wife Alison of Manchester, CT; loving grandmother of Henry Anush Reddy and Thomas Caelan Reddy of San Jose, CA; dear sister of Kimberly Shepard and her companion Jason Montini of Derby, CT, and Scott Burleson of North Carolina; and caring aunt of Blake Shepard and Brad Shepard Jr., both of Derby, CT.
Friends and family are invited to attend a graveside memorial service for Dana on Friday, November 6, 2026 at 1 PM in Riverside Cemetery, 308 River Rd. Shelton. A Celebration of Life honoring Dana will be held the following day (Saturday) from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. If you are interested in attending the celebration of life, please contact either Brandon Whitburn or Katelyn Reddy.
Condolences can be offered to her family at www.riverviewfh.com.